We people who are darker than blueAre we gonna stand around this townAnd let what others say come true?We're just good for nothing they all figure

A boyish, grown up, shiftless jiggerNow we can't hardly stand for thatOr is that really where it's at?We people who are darker than blue

This ain't no time for segregatin'I'm talking 'bout brown and yellow twoHigh yellow girl, can't you tellYou're just the surface of our dark deep well

If your mind could really seeYou'd know your color the same as mePardon me, brother, as you stand in your gloryI know you won't mind if I tell the whole story

Get yourself together, learn to know your sideShall we commit our own genocideBefore you check out your mind?

I know we've all got problemsThat's why I'm here to sayKeep peace with me and I with youLet me love in my own way

Now I know we have great respectFor the sister, and mother it's even better yetBut there's the joker in the street

Loving one brother and killing the otherWhen the time comes and we are really freeThere'll be no brothers left you see

We people who are darker than blueDon't let us hang around this townAnd let what others say come true

We're just good for nothing they all figureA boyish, grown up, shiftless jiggerNow we can't hardly stand for thatOr is that really where it's at?

Pardon me, brother, while you stand in your gloryI know you won't mind if I tell the whole storyPardon me, brother, I know we've come a long, long wayBut let us not be so satisfied for tomorrow can be anAn even brighter day